First Roof Wash

"Red"

"Red"

Graphic Designer
I've got an opportunity to do my first roof wash. I wasn't planning on doing any until I learned more about the soft wash process, but they say the best way to learn is by doing... so I need to learn as much of the basics as I can rather quickly.

What I need to learn first is basic mixology (for roof wash). I only have access to 10% SH. I also have some Gain Ultra per Chris' [Apple Roof Cleaning] recommendation. The roof is a little over 1,500 sqr ft and very walkable (I should know, I used to live there).

The equipment I have is as follows (I think I have what I need).

  • 4000psi / 3gpm PW
  • MTM Hydro Lance (low pressure foam)
  • 75' hose
  • 15 gal mix tank (it was free)

Any pointers are greatly appreciated as well.

Red

P.S. I'm thinking about doing it for cost just to get some experience and have something to show the neighbors, but what would be the "norm" price for this size roof? The roof was replaced about 6-8 years ago and is showing some signs of curling edges. The roof isn't a mess, but has darkened over the years.
 
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You cant softwash a roof with a pressure washer.... You cant get the mix strong enough with a downstream injector. Like Doug said, you have got to educate yourself a bit more first and get the right equipment - not a pressure washer - before you touch someone else's property.
 
Can someone describe the "right equipment"? How about a video with more information.

I'm not going to attempt it if I'm not properly prepared, that's why I'm here attempting to learn the "right" way to do it.

I don't want to be one of those guys that just swings for the fence and hopes he clears it.
 
Thanks for the recommendations, I can't afford the nice toys just yet, but I will keep them in mind when I can.

Which got me thinking... I could use the 15 gallon tank I have and replace the pump with a much better one (Flojet, Shurflo, or Delavan). How far can one of these pumps push the mix (considering hose size)? Any one of the pumps better than the others (considering the mix)?

Back to my original question... assuming I go with the 15 gal tank (w/new pump), what would be a safe effective mix (w/ 10% SH) and does anyone use TSP (trisodium phosphate) in their mix?

Also, how much mix (generally) will a 1,500 sqr ft roof need? (I may need to consider a larger tank)
 
You can get started with a 100 dollar pump from tractor supply company. Avoid using TSP a basic mix of SH and gain will work just fine. You might want to check out softwashsystems.com for some information on the mixology. Without seeing the roof you're going to be somewhere between 25 to 40% mixture, would be my best guess. Pitch, condition, and level of infestation will all be determining factors on the strength of your mix and volume of mix needed. I would plan on using somewhere between 30 to 40 gallons Of mix. Hope this helps
 
"Red" said:
Thanks for the recommendations, I can't afford the nice toys just yet, but I willmind when I can keep them in .

Which got me thinking... I could use the 15 gallon tank I have and replace the pump with a much better one (Flojet, Shurflo, or Delavan). How far can one of these pumps push the mix (considering hose size)? Any one of the pumps better than the others (considering the mix)?

Back to my original question... assuming I go with the 15 gal tank (w/new pump), what would be a safe effective mix (w/ 10% SH) and does anyone use TSP (trisodium phosphate) in their mix?

Also, how much mix (generally) will a 1,500 sqr ft roof need? (I may need to consider a larger tank)
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they aint toys, they are tools. and trust me for the time and dollars you are going to spend on the pump, wand, hoses, tips and what not, spend an extra $80.00 to get the setup ready to use right out of the box ( minus the battery ) been down that road, wish i didnt go there.
 
You might also want to venture to one of the dedicated roof cleaning/softwashing forums (RCIA, softwashsystems) and become a member there also. You'll find a lot of information from guys who spend the majority of their time cleaning roofs. Most importantly is to read the past forums. You'll find most of your questions already answered.
 
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